2024-09-08 12:35:28
Between July and November, the Colombian coast becomes a privileged setting for sighting humpback whales, which come to the warm waters of Nuquí, Gorgona Island and Málaga Bay to mate and give birth to their young.
In order to protect these majestic creatures and promote responsible tourism, the Ministry of Environment, in coordination with various entities, presented a set of regulations and recommendations.
Regulations
The Ministry, in collaboration with the General Maritime Directorate (Dimar), the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, and the Superintendence of Industry and Commerce, has designed a series of Guidelines to ensure whale watching activities are conducted safely and sustainablyThese regulations seek to minimize the impact on whales, generate security for tourists and promote responsible tourism practices on the Pacific coast.
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According to Gustavo Lara, a professional from the Department of Marine and Coastal Affairs of the Ministry of the Environment, the new guidelines include recommendations on how to proceed when approaching whales, the distances required to observe them, the maximum number of vessels allowed and safety conditions.These guidelines establish a limit of up to three simultaneous vessels in the sighting area and a maximum stay time of 30 minutes if there is only one vessel, or 15 minutes if there are more.“, Lara explained.
In addition, a maximum of two days per boat is established, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, with a minimum break of three hours between them, to reduce the pressure on the cetaceans. Observations must be carried out in the order of arrival and in conditions of adequate natural light.
Control measures
To ensure compliance with these regulations, vessels must report to the Maritime Traffic and Surveillance Control Station of the Port Authority of Buenaventura through the VHF Marine Base radio channel 16 when setting sail and returning. Likewise, tourism service providers are required to inform environmental authorities about any situation that puts biodiversity at risk.
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